In order to be prepared for any event, from splinters to major accidents, when on the road it's important to keep a comprehensive first-aid kit in your vehicle. The best way to decide what you might need to include involves taking a few minutes to try and imagine various conditions and scenarios you might experience where you regularly travel. Are there mountains and cliffs? Are there bodies of water next to the roads? Are the roads lighted at night? Do you travel or live in a remote location with unreliable cell-phone coverage? What is the weather like throughout the year? In addition to the items listed in Chapter 1 for your in-home first-aid kit, and depending on where you typically drive and the condition of the vehicle you drive, the following items may be useful additions to your vehicle first-aid kit:

• Large, wide-lens flashlight

• Penlight

• Several triangle reflectors

• Reflective vest(s)

• Small, multipurpose fire extinguisher

• Road flares

• Prepaid and fully charged cell phone

• Durable, multipurpose gloves

• Several yards of coiled rope

• Duct tape

• Bungee cords

• Space blankets

• All-purpose scissors

• Note pad, pencil, and fluorescent marker

• Adjustable wrench

• A few small sand bags

• Extra batteries

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Hand sanitizer

• Flares

• CB radio

• Extra water bottles

• Walkie-talkies

• A disposable camera

Carry Insurance Cards and Medical History

When you are on the road, make sure to always carry current medical-insurance cards and updated medical histories for everyone that rides with you. If you are in an accident or someone becomes critically ill in the car, having the necessary information will help you get the right care from first responders to emergency-room medical providers.